Break the Silence
ABOUT SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Sexual violence, assault, and gender violence occurs all around us, and more often than you think.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact our REACH Center 24 hour helpline at 518.943.4482. You are not alone.
Learn the facts
About Sexual Violence
Sexual violence is a significant problem in the U.S., and one that happens in every community — including right here in Columbia & Greene Counties.
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If you or someone you know needs support, our REACH Center helpline is available 24/7.
We're here for you
Safety & Supports
REACH Center 24 Hour Support Helpline
(518) 943-4482
Call our REACH Center helpline anytime, 24 hours a day. Trained staff provide crisis counseling and support services.
Learn the facts
What is Sexual Violence
Sexual violence is sexual activity when consent is not obtained or freely given. It impacts every community and affects all ages, genders, and sexual orientations. Anyone can experience or perpetrate sexual violence.
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The perpetrator of sexual violence is very often someone the survivor knows. This can include a friend, current or former intimate partner, coworker, neighbor, or family member.
DID YOU KNOW?
Why the Word “Violence"
When people hear the word “violence”, they often think of punching, kicking, hitting, beating, stabbing, or shooting. But, sexual violence doesn’t have to involve any of these things.
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The word “violence” is used because it explains the serious and lasting impact that non-consensual sexual activity and acts can have on victims and survivors.
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We know that not everyone would use this word to describe what has happened to them. Assault, rape, and abuse are also common terms that may be used, which are types of sexual violence. Though sexual violence is more all-encompassing, if a victim or survivor contacts us, we use words that are meaningful to them — not us.
Types of Sexual Violence
Sexual violence can happen in many different forms, which is why you may hear different terms used depending on the type of sexual violence that took place. Sexual violence is any kind of sexual activity or act (including online) that was unwanted or involved one or more of the following:
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pressure
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manipulation
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bullying
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intimidation
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threats
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deception
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force
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In other words, any kind of sexual activity or act that took place without consent.
No one deserves or asks for sexual violence to happen — not even a little bit.
100% of the blame lies with the perpetrator or perpetrators.
Sexual violence may be:
Rape
Sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, or anal) without consent, including when:
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Force or threat of force is used
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The person is incapacitated (e.g., intoxicated, unconscious)
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The person is under the age of consent (17 in NYS)
Sexual Abuse
Intentional sexual touching (of intimate parts) without consent, for sexual gratification, including over or under clothing.
Forcible Touching
Intentional, unwanted touching of intimate parts to degrade, abuse, or gratify sexual desire, even if brief.
Aggravated Sexual Abuse
Sexual assault involving serious physical injury, such as insertion of a foreign object that causes injury.
Sexual Conduct Against a Child
Sexual acts committed against a child under 11 years old, regardless of “consent”.
Course of SCAC exists when multiple acts of sexual conduct against a child exist over a period of time, recognizing patterns of abuse rather than isolated incidents.
Facilitating a Sex Offense with a Controlled Substance
Administering drugs or substances to impair a person’s ability to consent to sexual activity.
Incest
Sexual conduct between close family members where prohibited by law.
Sexual Exploitation of a Child
Includes:
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Creating, possessing, or distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM)
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Inducing or coercing a child to engage in sexual performances
